I came out of remission on Tysabri after 4 yrs, so went to Tecfidera. I was thrilled to have an oral and was determined to stick through the side effects and I did. The flushing and stomach problems bothered me for about 2 months but I kept reading forums to see how other people were handling the drug. Unfortunately Tecfidera is not strong enough to put me back in remission so I have mini relapses...
it is very expensive. My insurance will cover it now, but down the road it may stop due to Obama care, then what
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Jay | 65-74 | Male | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
10/1/2013
Condition: Other
Overall rating 2.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
Went from tysabri to Tecfidera, continued for 2 months. No issue to report so far, tolerated it well.....good to go, but at 9th week, Nausea, dry-heaves, balance, walking, memory problems arose. Started to add food around the dosing. Didn't think it was drug's problem, but then worried I was getting poisoned slowly or my body filling up with drug. Restarted the drug after 5 days hiatis, nausea, dissiness, balance continued. Starting to feel side effects go way back in beginning(2+ months ago) and was my nuero's decision to go back to Tysabri. I have read somewhere that the washout is 6 months, but my dr, says its' really a very short period. Time will tell! My neuro says he is fielding hundreds of calls a week from patients complaining of issues. There must be something to this drug that's causing so many issues with lots of different type of MS. At the pace that I was going, I felt my health was deteriorating to fast. I had to stop something. Simply stated, my issue was the hugh amount of symptoms, that kept getting progressively worst, and very quickly. Hoping the washout is quick, then I will know sooner or later the culprit was Tecfidera. The only other option could be a mix of drugs that are contra-indicated for each other. Trying to eliminate a little of those as I go forward. Hopefully made the right decision to stop Tecfidera. Read More Read Less
5
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Jean5 | 45-54 | Female | Patient
10/1/2013
Condition: Other
Overall rating 3.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
Trying to decide about starting this medicine, so read the reviews. dx of MS 1yr. ago (mild, 1 case of optic neuritis). Wondering if the inactive ingredient (sodium lauryl sulfate; aka sodium docecyl sulfate) could be cause of GI problems?? From wiki: "SDS mainly used in detergents for laundry with many cleaning applications.[5] SDS is a highly effective surfactant and is used in any task requiring the removal of oily stains and residues. For example, it is found in higher concentrations with industrial products including engine degreasers, floor cleaners, and car wash soaps. It is found in toothpastes, shampoos, shaving foams, and bubble bath formulations in part for its thickening effect and its ability to create a lather.[6]" Also: "In medicine, sodium lauryl sulfate is used rectally as a laxative in enemas, and as an excipient on some dissolvable aspirins and other fiber therapy caplets." Pharmacist is researching this for me before I start med.Read More Read Less
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1
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MSfighter | 45-54 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
9/30/2013
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Return then Become Less Severe
Overall rating 2.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I was excited that I wouldn't have to inject anymore. Took Tecfidera for 8 days. First 2 days I experienced flushing (redness and burning)eight hours after taking the pill. It looked and felt like I had a sunburn that lasted about half hour. Also had a bit of itching on my arms. Third day was fine. The 4th day on I experienced flushing and began feeling pain and weakness in my arms and legs. From day 4 to day 8 the flushing began between 7-8 hours after taking a dose. The weakness in arms and legs became worse and worse. Balance was off, weakness and spasm in arms and legs, fatigue all day and more severe after flushing, anxiety, heart palpitations when I was flushing,(I think I stressed myself with the sunburn feeling) headaches, dizziness and depression. I cried at the drop of a bucket. Doctor told me to stop taking the medicine and call him tomorrow with my symptoms. I already took my dose this morning and am anticipating the "sunburn" sensation, as I write, I'm beginning to feel warm. Disappointed that I will probably have to return to injections. Was looking forward to an oral med. Read More Read Less
27
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Ann | 35-44 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
9/30/2013
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Return then Become Less Severe
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
The headache and itchiness went away after 1 week. Stomach ache went to just gurgly loud stomach after week 1 also. Be sure to eat something (a banana is good) and take 12 hours apart. Great side effect: increased libido! LOVE not injecting rebif 3 x week! Worth riding out the side effects for at least 1 month to see if your body will acclimate or not. Everyone is different, but everything takes time.
33
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Hopeful | 35-44 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
9/30/2013
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Return then Become Less Severe
Overall rating 2.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I started on the 120 mg 2x a day and experienced flushing, upset stomach and mild headaches- all very moderate. 2nd week I began to take 240 2x a day and 3 days into it started having stomach pains, cramping and vomiting. 5th day into I had severe diarrhea and vomiting. My drs have taken me off of BG12 - very disappointing. Newly diagnosed and not certain next step.
18
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Anonymous | 35-44 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
9/11/2013
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Return then Become Less Severe
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
Initially when I took this drug I had the itchy feelings in my arms and feet. It only happened on my first day taking the pill. The next day the itching stopped. I didn't have itching any more until I took the 240mg dose and then it was only the first day as well then it stopped. I feel better if I eat while taking the pill. All in all I have had no problems on this pill and I enjoy it better than the shots.
34
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maharris26 | 45-54 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
9/10/2013
Condition: Other
Overall rating 3.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
Currently been on this Med for 3 weeks. experienced flushing the 1st week, it was manageable. but now into it for 3 week and experiencing extreme stomach discomfort. Difficulty swallowing food. It actually awakens me and night, bouts of nausea. It is starting to effect my sleep and work out schedule. Hoping it will resolve itself. Anyone experiencing similar problems?
2
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needinghealth | 65-74 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
9/9/2013
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Return then Become Less Severe
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I love not giving myself injections. For the first three weeks I suffered from flushing and some GI distress. This seem to be under control. I may have to come off the drug as my white blood cell count is very low. I hope something else is causing the problem.
18
2
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Cubanita | 45-54 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
9/2/2013
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Return then Become Less Severe
Overall rating 4.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I have only been on Tecfidera for two full weeks. I experience flushing, itching without a rash, and ocassional headaches. Flushing and itching occur within the first hour then it resolves.
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1
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NWSW1950 | 55-64 | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
8/28/2013
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Return then Become Less Severe
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I began Tecfidera On April 11th, 2013. I have had no relapses and virtually no side effects from the drug. I love having an oral medication. Prior, I used Copaxone for more than 12 years. I have been diagnosed for 25 years. If I fail to take a Tylenol 30 minutes prior to taking my Rx, it is possible that I will experience flushing, which is uncomfortable for a few minutes.
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1
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Anonymous | 65-74 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
8/22/2013
Condition: Other
Overall rating 3.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
Stopped taking Betaseron and have been on Tecfidera for a month. I experienced brief periods of flushing the first three days on the half dose. Since taking the full dose, I have stomach pain almost constantly, no flushing, or rash/itching. It is too early to rate the effectiveness.
1
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Anonymous | 35-44 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
8/20/2013
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Return then Become Less Severe
Overall rating 4.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
Only on the medication for two and 1/2 weeks now. Not sure about the effectiveness. The first two weeks were fine. I just had a slight decrease in appetite. The last two days I have had stomach cramping and an upset stomach. Anyone else have this and does it stop?
10
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dgetch | 35-44 | Male | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
8/20/2013
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Return then Become Less Severe
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
It has been too soon to verify the effectivness I gave it 5 stars because I have had no new relapes. I have been on the medicine for 3 weeks now. The only thing I noticed was some flushing for about 20 minutes the first day. Nothing else to report. No problems with GI.No rash. I love this medicine over taking Avonex injection.
24
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Inquiring Mind | 55-64 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
8/12/2013
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Return then Become Less Severe
Overall rating 4.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I started Tecfidera'tritration' on July 15 2013 and had NO symptoms except for a small flushing. However, I began to oversleep which caused the cycle of getting up late, not eating right away, taking the drug late taking the last pill way too late and waking up late again...I called the pharmacist who told me I am only 2 in 350 reporting this 'over sleeping' problem...so I am not taking the last pill and have been waking up earlier and earlier like before starting it! Tecfidera has no narcotics and neither do I take any including sleeping aids. There is no other explanation at this moment for oversleeping other than I am sensitive to meds...waiting for Drs call. Does anyone else have this problem?Read More Read Less
20
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culbrz46 | 65-74 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
8/2/2013
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Return then Become Less Severe
Overall rating 4.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I have beenon full strength only one week - still having rash and itching - I'm optimistic that it will ease up. I prefer the pills to injections, so I will keep going. It will be a while before I will have another MRI to see that it is working, but I have no reason to belief it won't.
14
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tben97 | 35-44 | Male | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
7/25/2013
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Return then Become Less Severe
Overall rating 4.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
Started Tecfidera 10 days ago. A little flushing first two doses. Sure beats driving 4.5 hours for Tysabri infusions, which I did for 68 months. I feel pretty good! Sure beats a needle everyday or 3 times a week, or even once a month.
25
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Damara | 25-34 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
7/25/2013
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Return then Become Less Severe
Overall rating 2.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
OMG! First week at 120mg it was ok, since 8th day my life is miserable, red flushes, horrible stomach pain, cramps, diarrheas... Im feeling so depressed right now... :/
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2
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KOOLBRZZ | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
7/16/2013
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Return then Become Less Severe
Overall rating 4.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
Almost finished my second month. Still having the burning/redness/flushing. But my major side effect is a rash that has spread all over. It's getting worse. Has anyone else had this problem?
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Anonymous | 55-64 | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
7/13/2013
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Return then Become Less Severe
Overall rating 3.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
First dose and I had a long flushing episode. It was painful and my face was swollen and I thought I was experiencing an allergic reaction as I am allergic to many meds. Saw MD to confirm it was not. Little stomach upset but I am on prescription GERD meds. I waited for the release of this drug and I want to maintain optimism that this oral will work. For those with flushing--how long were the episodes?
18
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Ballerina | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
7/13/2013
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Return then Become Less Severe
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I have been taking this drug for 2 1/2 months now. The flushing can get bad but for the most part I have had no bad reactions. I am very thankful not to take shots anymore I had a recent scan. No New or Worsing Leasions Yea!!!
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